Trails

​The Municipality of Chatham-Kent maintains over 226 km of recreational trails and pathways, and more trails are being planned in partnership with communities across the region. Ranging in length from 100 m to 32 km, the trails have been constructed with a variety of surfaces to appeal to walkers, runners and cyclists. Another 60 km of additional trails are located in Provincial Parks and Conservations Areas within the municipality.

Two well-known multi-use trails also pass through the borders of Chatham-Kent:

Trail Maps

View a digital version of our Chatham-Kent Trail Map or pick up a paper copy from one of your local Municipal Service Centre's or libraries. This booklet features maps of over 55 unique trails located across Chatham-Kent. Enjoy an interactive version of this map below featuring 59 of our amazing trails!

Trail Counters

In late 2021 Municipal Staff started a count initiative on our trails, starting out small, they started to collect data on 3 trails. With the successful pull of data from those counts the initiative expanded to cover as many as 22 count sites in 2021. With the ability to have 5 long term count studies underway and to have as many as 8 rotating short term count studies running simultaneously it has allowed staff to capture data sets from those 22 count sites between July 2021 to December 2021. 

The trail counters are devices that are secured to natural and manufactured infrastructure. 

  • The counter is not a camera, it cannot see you. 
  • The counter is similar to a laser pointer, when the line is crossed, the signal counts a person. 
  • The counter is set at a specific height to ensure it is counting pedestrian and cyclists. 
  • The counters have no monetary value and will alert staff when tampered with, it is best to leave them alone. 
  • If you notice something wrong with a counter, please contact cktrails@chatham-kent.ca 
Data from the counters from October 2020-December 2021:
  • 409,337 Trail Walks/Cycling Trips took place throughout CK at the 22 test sites. 
  • 6,067 Trail walks took place on October 1st, making it the most walked day of the year!
  • 15,469 Cycling trips crossed paths with a count site. 
  • Trails with the highest usage:
    • Chatham at 49%
    • Erieau at 32%
    • Mitchells Bay at 7%
    • Ridgetown, Thamesville, Dresden, Blenheim and Wallaceburg with the remaining 12%

Trail Etiquette

  • Stay on the trail to avoid disturbing vegetation and private property.
  • Walking pedestrians have the right of way on recreational trails (cyclists, rollerbladers and runners should pass on the left when possible).
  • Do not litter - leave the trail cleaner than when you arrived.
  • Respect the privacy of those living along urban recreational trails.
  • No motorized vehicles are permitted on municipal recreational trails.
  • Trails are not maintained in the winter months - use them at your own risk.
  • Respect Chatham-Kent Public Health off-road safety recommendations.

By-laws

The Off-Road Vehicle By-Law does not permit off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on trails, pathways, parks or any recreational land. Public Parks & Recreation By-Law is to be followed on all trails and park pathways.

Chatham-Kent Trails Council

The Chatham-Kent Trails Council is our community partner in trail planning, building and maintenance. They are a team of dedicated volunteers who have promoted trails for more than a decade. The Municipality works closely with this group, whose members provide guidance on trail development and assist with identifying future trail building priorities and required trail upgrades. The Chatham-Kent Trails Council is also a member of the Ontario Trails Council, a non-profit organization that promotes the creation, development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails province-wide.

For more information on The Chatham-Kent Trails Council please visit the Chatham-Kent Trails website.

Community Youth Initiatives

Chatham Christian School partnered with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on a project highlighting Mud Creek and the important role this municipal drain and wildlife preserve plays in our community. The grade 7 students researched and created interpretive signage posted along the pathway, and the grade 8 students created a video showing the importance of Mud Creek to our community. Watch their video on Mud Creek here and be sure to take a walk around Mud Creek and read the information signs along the way!